By: Akoi M. Baysah, Jr.
The Office of Youth and Sports Minister-Designate Cornelia W. Kruah has dismissed claims that students were mobilized to attend her Senate confirmation hearing, describing reports circulating in the public as false and misleading.
The confirmation hearing, scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026, was postponed by the Liberian Senate.
Prior to the postponement, groups of young people were seen gathered at the Capitol Building, prompting speculation about their presence.
In a press statement issued after the postponement, the office clarified that the gathering of young people was voluntary and not organized by the Minister-Designate or her team.
“Minister-Designate Cornelia W. Kruah did not sponsor, finance, or instruct any student or youth group to assemble at the Capitol Building,” the statement said.
“No mobilization was organized or requested by her or her team.”Addressing concerns about school attendance, the office rejected suggestions that students abandoned their academic activities to attend the event.
“Students did not abandon or boycott school to attend the postponed hearing,” the statement noted. “Schools dismissed at 1:00 p.m., while the hearing was scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Any suggestion that students were taken out of school for political purposes is entirely false”, the statement further noted.
While acknowledging the show of support from young people, the office emphasized Kruah’s commitment to education and responsible youth engagement.
“Minister-Designate Kruah deeply appreciates the encouragement shown by young people, but she remains committed to ensuring that students prioritize their education and does not support any action that disrupts academic activities,” the statement added.
The office also criticized attempts to misrepresent the events surrounding the postponed hearing, describing such narratives as a distraction from national priorities affecting young people.
“The attempt by some to distort the events of yesterday is regrettable and distracts from the real issues affecting Liberia’s youth,” further calling for a renewed focus on education, economic empowerment, and youth development.
Kruah, who is set to become the first youth nominee to lead the Ministry of Youth and Sports, remains committed to serving with integrity, transparency, and dedication to advancing the interests of Liberia’s young people, the office said.
The Liberian Senate has yet to announce a new date for the rescheduled confirmation hearing.
